15 players who could still swap nations for World Cup as prop swaps South Africa for Wales

Monday, 16 January 2023 at 19:53

byRugby Rucker

Ospreys head coach Tony Booth has suggested that experienced South African tighthead Tom Botha could be a surprise selection for Warren Gatland's Wales team for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The 32-year-old South African rugby player standing at 1.79 m tall (5 ft 10 in) and weighing in at 110 kg (17 st 4.51 lb; 242.51 lb).

When queried about his evaluation of the former South Africa U20's development and whether he sees him as a possibility for Gatland later this year, Booth gave a positive response.

“You’ve seen in recent performances how important scrums are," he said. "Tommy is without doubt a specialist scrummager, so it depends on what you are looking for from the No. 3 shirt. Against certain opposition you require more of that, or less of that.

Hendrik Cronjé

@hendrikcronje71

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The South African who 'lives, breathes and tastes scrums', Tom Botha, is now eligible for Wales. walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/ru…

4:44 AM · Nov 25, 2021

Players who could swap nations for the 2023 World Cup

Steve Luatua – New Zealand to Samoa

Man of the Match, Steven Luatua of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Harlequins at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on 8 March 2020. PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Alex Lozowski – England to Italy

Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),

John Cooney – Ireland to Scotland

Julian Savea – New Zealand to Samoa

Paolo Odogwu - England to Italy

Morgan Parra – France to Portugal

Morgan Parra Of ASM Clermont Auvergne - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 02/05/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL - ASM Clermont Auvergne v RC Toulon - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow – New Zealand to Australia

Nathan Hughes – England to Fiji

Gallagher Man of the Match Nathan Hughes of Bath Rugby on his Bath Rugby debut during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Harlequins at the Recreation Ground on 28 Jan. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Sergio Parisse – Italy to Argentina

They wrote: "Another unlikely switch but one that is still possible, as Parisse could represent the country he was born in despite playing 142 times for Italy.

"The 39-year-old still represents Toulon in the Top 14 and last played for the Azzurri during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He has put his retirement on hold to play one more time for Italy, but his plan has been thwarted several times."

Lima Sopoaga – New Zealand to Samoa

Louis Lynagh - England to Australia/Italy

Zach Mercer – England to Scotland/New Zealand

Zach Mercer of England goes over for a try during the Quilter Cup Match between England and Barbarians at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 27. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Byron McGuigan – Scotland to Namibia

Alec Hepburn – England to Australia

Taqele Naiyaravoro – Australia to Fiji

Northampton Saints player Taqele Naiyaravoro attacking during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Northampton Saints and Bath Rugby at Franklins Gardens, Northampton on Feb 28 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

Henry Speight – Australia to Fiji

Tevita Kuridrani – Australia to Fiji

Tevita Kuridrani of Australia in action against Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand - Photo mandatory by-line: Gareth Davies/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/10/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015 FINAL - New Zealand v Australia - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.

Denny Solomona – England to Samoa